Friday, March 27th to Sunday, March 29th 2009
Festival Inn ~ Stratford, Ontario

Spring 2009 marks 65 years since a group of young farmers from across Ontario converged on Queen’s Park to discuss the formation of what became the Junior Farmers’ Association of Ontario. While no longer supported by the provincial government, almost 65 years to the day later, the youth of rural Ontario will gather once again this month as the legacy of building future rural leaders through self-help and community betterment continues.

JFAO’s 65th year kicks off with its Annual Conference, March 27 to 29, 2009 in Stratford, Ontario at the Festival Inn. This year’s theme is “Act On It.” The conference includes the JFAO annual general meeting, banquet, dynamic guest speakers as well as interactive and interesting breakout sessions to develop and enhance leadership skills.

As part of JFAO’s province-wide community betterment effort, a substantial cheque will be presented to the 2008 JFAO Provincial Charity, the Farm Safety Association. Its mission is to promote safe, healthy workplaces and lifestyles, and to eliminate all workplace injuries and illnesses in the province’s Agricultural Industrial Sector, which includes Agriculture, horticulture and landscaping. Members will also have the opportunity to vote on the charity for which they will raise funds for throughout 2009.

Take your JFAO Spirit & Act on it!

For March Conference 2009, we plan to build on the Junior Farmer spirit and to Act On It! A fabulous lineup of speakers, including Mat Gauthier, Cheryl McLachlan, and Kate Davis will encourage bringing JF enthusiasm to other aspects of life. In keeping with the artistic atmosphere of Stratford, JFAO will roll out the red carpet for the attending delegates and special guests.

Tickets for anyone planning to attend the Annual Banquet on Saturday March 28 are available until March 13 by going to www.jfao.on.ca and following the March Conference link, or by calling 519-780-JFAO (5326). Join us and we guarantee you a box seat to our show!

JFAO’s mission is “To Build Future Rural Leaders Through Self-Help and Community Betterment.” This is accomplished through providing opportunities for young people age 15-29 of all backgrounds, but especially those in rural Ontario, to take on the challenge of exploring their individual talents and potential to develop personally while being involved in bettering their communities, networking, and having fun. Today JFAO is funded solely through the support of members, donors and sponsors, including its Diamond Level partners Dairy Farmers of Ontario, OFA, and Scotiabank. A 65th Anniversary Alumni Reunion is scheduled for Saturday August 15, 2009 at the Orangeville Fairgrounds in conjunction with the annual JFAO golf tournament, this year at Hockley Valley.

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